Kirby Apprentice Fund CO2 Training Scholarships Awarded

Thanks to the Kirby Apprentice Fund, another group of 4th-year apprentices will undertake certified CO₂ training at the Beijer Ref Academy this September.

This initiative represents the second round of training scholarships for 2025, proudly sponsored by the ARBS Education and Research Foundation, together with the Australian Refrigeration Council, Woolworths, Supercool Group, Sauermann, Danfoss, and Copeland.

Industry interest from 4th-year apprentices has once again been outstanding, with all applicants demonstrating a strong commitment to upskilling and achieving accreditation in natural refrigerant technology. Twenty (20) scholarships have been awarded across NSW, VIC, TAS, NT, and SA.

While the scholarship provides extensive support for both apprentices and employers, we also acknowledge and congratulate the participating employers for their additional investment of time and resources beyond the scholarship coverage.

By the end of 2025, a total of 40 apprentices will have completed their training and achieved national accreditation in CO₂ Safety and CO₂ System Repair and Service. This program, delivered in collaboration with Superior Training Centre (RTO ID: 41122), is making a tangible contribution to addressing the industry’s skills gap in the safe handling and servicing of CO₂ systems.

Not only does this initiative enhance individual career development, but it also strengthens businesses across the sector, as apprentices return with advanced knowledge and skills to share with their colleagues.

Congratulations to the following apprentices.

R.Sutton Woolworths Facilities Management, NSW
J.Booth Woolworths 360, VIC
J.Abela Value Added Engineering NQ, QLD
T.Thompson Specific Refrigeration and Mechanical Services, VIC
A.Chand Woolworths, NSW
A.Kumar Elite Refrigeration, QLD
A.Burnell Premiair Pty Ltd, VIC
M.Durand Ultra Refrigeration, NSW
J.Hughes TSR Refrigeration, QLD
L.Haggerly Award Refrigeration, NSW
S.DeWilde Control Air, SA
M.Crawford Matthew Bedelph, TAS
O.Lepp Thermal Care, QLD
M.Perry Mackie Electric & Refrigeration, NSW
J.Burgess Sims Refrigeration, NT
T.Riordan TVH, NSW
A.Book O’Connors
L.Sims Sims Refrigeration, SA
M.Stitz Alpine Refrigeration, QLD
M.Mutkins ARA Mechanical Services, NSW